Eurotopics.net

Dutch writer Marieke Lucas Rijneveld has pulled out of a project to translate the poem read by young black poet Amanda Gorman at Joe Biden's inauguration after the plan triggered fierce criticism. Critics argued that Rijneveld's knowledge of English is inadequate, she has no experience as a translator and it would be inappropriate since she is white. Opinion is divided on the issue, and especially on the last point.

Donald Trump had disappeared from the political scene ever since the storming of the Capitol. Now the ex-president has reaffirmed his intention to retake the White House for the Republicans in 2024 in a self-assertive 90-minute speech delivered at the Conservative Political Action Congress (CPAC). He also said he does not plan to found a new party. What are his chances - and in what direction will the divided party head?

According to a newly published US intelligence report, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Khashoggi, who had been living in the US, was murdered by a death squad on 2 October 2018 in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Until now bin Salman had only assumed formal responsibility for the killing. Commentators call for a clear response from the international community.

Digital coronavirus vaccination certificates are coming, participants at Thursday's EU summit agreed. Whether or not such certificates - which are to be valid throughout Europe - will allow their holders freedom of travel is still under discussion. Greece, Spain, Italy and Austria, all of which rely heavily on tourism, argue that they should. Many commentators say the discussion is premature.